Alyson Serena Stone's Blog, page 9

New Medium Article: We Must Talk About Kaylnn Bayron's You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight

Good morning everyone! I just wanted to let you know that I posted a new Medium article on my page. It's a discussion about You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kaylnn Bayron.

Link is below, as well as a sneak peek.

All of my Medium stories are currently free.

Link to Full Story: https://alysonserenastone.medium.com/...

Sneak Peek:

Author’s Note: This article may contain small spoilers for You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayron. For the most part, this article is spoiler-free.
Kalynn Bayron's You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight has been on my radar for quite some time. Initially, I was uncertain about picking it up, but the short waitlist at the library convinced me to give it a try. This was my first experience with Bayron's work, and I must say, I am thoroughly impressed.
The story follows Charity, who works at a camp inspired by a horror movie. Her job is unique and exciting, providing guests with an immersive experience where they get to live out their own horror movie at Camp Mirror Lake. The camp features a full cast and is filled with terror, ensuring that guests have an unforgettable night. The goal is simple: survive the night. Fake deaths are staged to make the experience feel real for the participants. Charity, as the final girl, is meant to be the last one standing. However, with summer coming to an end, Charity is reluctant to leave the camp, which feels more like home to her than her actual home.
As the grand finale approaches, strange occurrences begin to unfold. Workers disappear, which is initially dismissed as them not wanting to work, and an eerie woman appears, waving a gun and warning them about the true nature of the land they are on. The police downplay the situation, but Charity's boss becomes concerned, especially since all the workers are underage. Mysterious figures appear at night, and soon Charity finds herself living in a real horror movie.

I honestly don’t remember the last time I read a book this quickly. This is one of those books that I could not put down. The opening chapter is very good. We open with us being at the camp during one of their games we don’t know that is one of the games. It’s intense. It’s full of danger, horror, and twists. Then, it ends with us learning that it was all a game. This intense opening chapter set the tone for the book. It’s fast-paced and you don’t know what is going to happen next. It’s addicting and tough to put down. I don’t know how to put it into words other than you feel like you have been thrown into a slasher movie.

The setting is the perfect set-up for this book. A slasher movie was filmed on the campgrounds. A lot of the props are there. The characters use effects and good acting skills to transport guests into the world of the movie. While they are not able to physically harm any of the guests, they do give them the full experience. This means that guests could be tied up, attacked, and scared out of their minds. If they don’t figure out a way to get around the “murderers,” they can be “killed.” Add in the fact that this camp is remote and the game is done at night, it makes for a very real and terrifying experience. The author does an amazing job of bringing all of this to life. It makes for a terrifying, yet fun read.

Serena

New Youtube Video: ASMR Squishmallow Pampering and Tracing

New Youtube Video: ASMR Squishmallow Pampering and Tracing
Please note, it may take a few hours before the video is fully processed.
Link: https://youtu.be/ST3XD-NY9b0
Description:
Hello everyone! Today I am bringing you another ASMR video. Tracing, pampering, and whispering with a squishmallow. It’s a cat! Fall asleep in under ten minutes. Relax and enjoy!

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Pretty Covers of Carissa Broadbent's Nightborn Duet

New Youtube Video: Pretty Covers of Carissa Broadbent's Nightborn Duet
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Link: https://youtu.be/dwEHqULJDZc
Description:
Hello everyone! Today I showing off the beautiful and stunning covers of Carissa Broadbent’s Nightborn Duet.


My Thoughts:


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Publishers, authors, and companies-I do take requests for reviews, interviews, product endorsements, and etc. Check on my livejournal page for more information as to what content I am looking for. Dates do fill up quickly-I only like to feature on thing a day so you aren’t overlooked.

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New Youtube Video: A Mini Book Haul

New Youtube Video: A Mini Book Haul
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Link: https://youtu.be/emCdWNSp1x0
Description:
Hello everyone! Today I am bringing you a mini book haul! After Christmas Barnes and Noble had a huge sale and I did some shopping.


My Thoughts:


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Publishers, authors, and companies-I do take requests for reviews, interviews, product endorsements, and etc. Check on my livejournal page for more information as to what content I am looking for. Dates do fill up quickly-I only like to feature on thing a day so you aren’t overlooked.

Links:
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New Youtube Video: ASMR Rattle Your Brain Flare Pen Tapping and Rubbing

New Youtube Video: ASMR Rattle Your Brain Flare Pen Tapping and Rubbing
Please note, it may take a few hours before the video is fully processed.
Link: https://youtu.be/bLm_s91vk_c
Description:
Hello everyone! Today I am bringing you another ASMR video. Fast and aggressive tapping and tracing. Rattle your brain! Fall asleep in under ten minutes!

For Business Inquiries: Aphrodite-venus-u.k@hotmail.com
Publishers, authors, and companies-I do take requests for reviews, interviews, product endorsements, and etc. Check on my livejournal page for more information as to what content I am looking for. Dates do fill up quickly-I only like to feature on thing a day so you aren’t overlooked.

Links:
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Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/AlysonSeren...
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ASMR Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKyL...

New Medium Post and Free Story: Cruel Summer

Hello everyone! I just wanted to let you know I just finished posting a few free story called "Cruel Summer." Below are all the links where you can find the story, as well as a sneak peek.

Serena

Links: Originally Published on Fictionpress.com on July 17, 2024.
Link: https://www.fictionpress.com/s/337229...

Medium Link: https://alysonserenastone.medium.com/...

LiveJournal Link: https://serenastone.livejournal.com/4...


Sneak Peek:
“It’s cool,” I say to him as he approaches me on the beach.

Devon lowers himself down next to me. The city lights hover behind us as the vast ocean laps at our feet. The water is cool, but it doesn’t bother me. It’s so hot that it doesn’t matter.

Devon’s face is nothing more than a shadow in the light. “Oh.”

“Yes.”

“Are you saying that because I won’t stop bothering you or do you mean it?”

“I think it’s time.” I take his hand in mine. “We knew this was going to happen.”

Devon squeezes my hand back. “Skylar,” he whispers.

Shriver’s rush down my body. It’s not very often that I feel this way. It feels right. I close my eyes. I know he is watching me. He is always watching me. Ever since we were children, he had been watching me. We had been putting this off because we were afraid of what it would do to us, of what it would do to the past. However, the past is behind us and the time is now.

I take my other hand and run it along the side of his face. His stubble starches me, but I don’t let it stop me. The last time I touched him this way he didn’t have any. He is no longer the boy of my childhood, but a man.

“We don’t have a lot of time,” I say as I get to my feet. “We need to make the most of it.”

Devon peers up at me. “What did you have in mind?”

“Why do we always have to have a plan? Why can’t we see where the night takes us?”

Devon brushes sand off his shorts as he gets to his feet. “We could do that.” He offers me his hand and I take it. Tonight is all we have and we must make the most of it.

We walk along the edge of the water as it laps at our feet. We could step away to avoid getting soaked, but neither of us moves. To do so would steal precious moments from this time together, from us.

Over the years, we've both changed and drifted in our directions. Yet, when it truly matters, we are always here for each other. Tonight is one of those nights. When Devon texted me last week and asked me to fly across the country, I didn’t hesitate. I hadn't heard from him in two years, but he needed me. And that's what we do. When we need each other the most, we come, no matter what.

Summer nights are usually long and seemingly endless, but tonight feels shorter than usual. It reminds me of those long winter nights where a thin wall is all that separates you from the full wrath of Mother Nature. But tonight, Mother Nature is kind, and it's a kind of torture. The sky is clear, the air is calm, and it would almost be easier if it weren’t. The serene beauty of the night takes away the heaviness in my heart, making it more difficult to bear.

Our feet slap against the water, the rhythmic sound echoing the unspoken emotions between us. Each step is a reminder of the distance that has grown between us, yet also a testament to the bond that still holds us together.

I glance at Devon, his profile silhouetted against the moonlit sky. There's a sadness in his eyes, a reflection of the pain I feel. We've both faced our battles and though we've come out scarred, we're still here. But tonight, the weight of those years apart feels heavier than ever.

We stop beneath the boardwalk. Above us, families are enjoying the amusement park, the air filled with the sounds of music and laughter drifting down like a soft, nostalgic melody. The clatter of the roller coaster, the distant hum of arcade games, and the occasional cheer of excitement from children all blend together, creating a vibrant tapestry of sound that evokes a simpler, more carefree time.

My eyes flicker upwards. “Do you remember that?”

“Yes.” A smile plays on Devon’s lips. “Remember the Ferris wheel? How it clinked and we were always afraid that we were going to get stuck on top with no way down?”

“I do.”

New Youtube Video: The Harry Potter Wizarding Alamac Flip Through

New Youtube Video: The Harry Potter Wizarding Alamac Flip Through
Please note, it may take a few hours before the video is fully processed.
Link: https://youtu.be/pZVRbwjuF2U


Description:
Hello everyone! Today I am bringing you a flip through of The Harry Potter Wizarding Alamac. We are going to be taking a look at all of the pictures and illustrations this book has to offer.


My Thoughts:
Book: The Harry Potter Wizarding Almanac
Author: J.K Rowling
Rating: 5 Out of 5 Stars

I will admit that other than the pictures, this does not add anything new to the books. If you have only seen the movies, keep in mind that this follows the books, not the movies. I enjoyed the quotes and information that this book has. It doesn’t add anything, but it does transport you back into the world.

This one is a collection of beautiful illustrations, quotes, and information from the Harry Potter books. It’s almost like a tour guide into the world of Harry Potter and Hogwarts. It takes you to Diagon Alley, Hogwarts, the Ministry of Magic, and more. You will get to see Hogwarts classes, danger, magical creatures, and magical objects all in one place. It’s a fun way to relive the series on some of those details that you may have forgotten. Again, if you are looking for something new, you are going to be very disappointed. All of this has already been included in the books.

The illustrations are beautiful. Every time I looked at a picture, I saw something new. It is like you are in the world with the characters and getting to go on their adventures. It shows just how rich and magical the world of Harry Potter is. The magic comes to life in a way that maybe sometimes the movies missed the mark on.

If you are a big fan of Harry Potter and just want to relive some of the moments, then is a must-have. However, if you are looking for something new, then you may want to skip this one.


For Business Inquiries: Aphrodite-venus-u.k@hotmail.com
Publishers, authors, and companies-I do take requests for reviews, interviews, product endorsements, and etc. Check on my livejournal page for more information as to what content I am looking for. Dates do fill up quickly-I only like to feature on thing a day so you aren’t overlooked.

Links:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicZ...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/AlysonSeren...
Livejournal: http://serenastone.livejournal.com/pr...
Fictionpress: https://www.fictionpress.com/u/773118...
Fanfiction: https://www.fanfiction.net/u/2489110/...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=digital-te...
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Teacherspayteachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/S...
Teaching Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOpE...
Medium:
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New Medium Article: The Impact of Reading Fiction on the Brain

Good morning! I just finished posting a new Medium article on my page. It's about the impact of reading fiction on the brain. It is a little different than my normal content. It's from professional developments and my experiences as an educator. I normally like to keep my professional life off of my blogs, but I wanted to talk about this. Link to the full article is below, as well as a sneak peek.

All of my Medium articles are currently free.

Link to full article: https://alysonserenastone.medium.com/...

Sneak Peek:
Reading fiction is a cherished pastime enjoyed by individuals of all ages and cultures. Beyond its entertainment value, fiction has long been recognized for its potential to stimulate the mind and imagination. In recent years, scientific research has shed light on the profound impact reading fiction has on the brain, uncovering a myriad of cognitive benefits. This essay explores the fascinating relationship between reading fiction and the brain, highlighting how it improves brain function, enhances critical thinking, and bolsters problem-solving abilities.



When we immerse ourselves in a work of fiction, a complex interplay of neural mechanisms is triggered, leading to various cognitive and emotional responses. Neuroimaging studies have revealed that reading fiction activates regions of the brain associated with language processing, semantic understanding, and comprehension. Moreover, fictional narratives engage areas responsible for the simulation of experiences and emotions, creating a vivid and immersive mental environment. The activation of these neural circuits during fiction reading lays the foundation for the subsequent cognitive benefits.



Engaging with fiction isn't just about escaping into imaginary worlds; it's a mental workout that enhances how our brains function in everyday life. Research suggests that when we dive into a compelling story, our brain lights up in ways that benefit us long after we put the book down. For instance, reading fiction regularly strengthens the connections between different parts of our brain. This improved neural connectivity is like building better highways between cities, allowing information to flow more efficiently. As a result, our cognitive abilities, such as attention and memory, get a boost.



One key area that benefits from reading fiction is the prefrontal cortex, located right behind your forehead. This region is crucial for higher-level thinking, like planning, decision-making, and understanding other people's perspectives. When we immerse ourselves in a novel, this part of the brain becomes more active. It's as if we're training our brains to think more deeply and critically, which can translate into better problem-solving skills and improved social interactions in our daily lives.



Fiction often presents us with complex characters and situations, requiring us to empathize and understand motivations that may differ from our own. This exercise in empathy isn't just a soft skill—it's supported by our brain's ability to simulate experiences we read about. By putting ourselves in a character's shoes, we practice navigating social nuances and understanding diverse viewpoints, skills that are invaluable in navigating real-world relationships and challenges.

Picking up a novel isn't just about entertainment; it's a smart investment in your brain's health and agility. Whether you're solving a problem at work, remembering a friend's birthday, or making a tough decision, the benefits of regular fiction reading can give you a mental edge in various aspects of your life. When you curl up with a good book, know that you're not only feeding your imagination but also strengthening the very organ that makes you, well, you.



When you dive into a fictional story, you're not just escaping into another world—you're sharpening your mind. Fiction challenges us to think critically by presenting us with puzzles to solve, characters to understand, and dilemmas to unravel. These stories are like mental gyms where we flex our ability to analyze, interpret, and evaluate. By following intricate plots and getting to know multidimensional characters, we're constantly asking ourselves questions: Why did that character act that way? What would I do in that situation? This process of perspective-taking and empathy-building is crucial because it helps us see the world through different lenses.



As we encounter diverse narratives and characters, our understanding of human behaviour and societal dynamics grows richer. We start to recognize that there's often more than one side to a story and that people's motivations can be complex. This expanded perspective doesn't just stay within the pages of a book—it spills over into our everyday lives. We become better at questioning assumptions, considering alternative viewpoints, and making decisions based on a deeper understanding of the world around us.

Have a great day!
Serena

New Medium Article: Why Does Kylo Ren's Redemption Arc Work So Well?

Happy Thursday afternoon everyone! I wanted to let you know that I just posted a new article on my Medium page. It's my first published Star Wars article and it's about one of my favourite characters: Kylo Ren.

My Medium articles are currently free, so you do not need a membership to read them.

Link to the full article is below, as well as a sneak peek.

Link: https://alysonserenastone.medium.com/...

Sneak Peek:
Author’s Note: This article contains spoilers for Star Wars.

Kylo Ren's redemption arc in the Star Wars saga is a nuanced and intricate narrative that delves deeply into the depths of his past, his complex relationships with his parents, and his tumultuous connection with Luke Skywalker. Understanding the factors that led to Kylo's turn to the Dark Side involves examining the pressures and expectations placed upon him from birth, the significant moments of betrayal and manipulation he experienced, and his ongoing internal conflict. Ben Solo, later known as Kylo Ren, was born into a legacy of great power and responsibility, being the son of Han Solo and Leia Organa and the grandson of Anakin Skywalker. This lineage brought immense pressure and high expectations, contributing to his sense of isolation and internal struggle.

Kylo Ren, born Ben Solo, carried the burden of an illustrious heritage, being the son of two of the most iconic figures in the Star Wars saga: Han Solo and Leia Organa. The expectations that came with such a lineage, combined with the lingering shadows of the Galactic Civil War, created a tumultuous environment for his upbringing. This complex background, marked by a longing for identity and belonging, made Ben particularly susceptible to the manipulations of Supreme Leader Snoke, who exploited his vulnerabilities to seduce him to the Dark Side.

From a young age, Ben Solo was caught between the conflicting demands of his family legacy. On one hand, there was the heroic narrative of his parents, celebrated leaders who had played crucial roles in the Rebellion and the New Republic. On the other hand, there was the dark legacy of his grandfather, Anakin Skywalker, who had become the infamous Darth Vader. This dual heritage placed an immense psychological strain on Ben, who struggled to forge his own identity amidst these towering expectations.

Han Solo and Leia Organa, despite their best intentions, inadvertently contributed to Ben's sense of isolation. Han, a smuggler-turned-general, found it difficult to reconcile his adventurous past with the responsibilities of fatherhood. His frequent absences, due to his inability to settle into a stable family life, left Ben feeling abandoned and craving paternal guidance. Leia, deeply involved in the political and military efforts of the Resistance, also had limited time to nurture her son. Her dedication to the larger cause of galactic peace, while noble, meant that Ben often felt secondary to her mission. These circumstances fostered feelings of neglect and misunderstanding in Ben, who struggled to find his place within the family and the galaxy.

Ben's training with his uncle, Luke Skywalker, further compounded the pressure of living up to his family's legacy. Sent to train as a Jedi to harness his burgeoning Force abilities, Ben initially saw this as an opportunity to connect with his family's heroic past. However, Luke's awareness of the dark potential within Ben created an atmosphere of fear and mistrust. The pivotal moment came when Luke, in a moment of weakness, considered preemptively killing Ben to prevent the rise of another Darth Vader. Although he ultimately did not follow through, this betrayal by someone he trusted deeply shattered Ben's faith in the Jedi and pushed him towards the Dark Side.
The strained relationship between Kylo Ren and his parents reached a tragic climax in The Force Awakens. In a desperate attempt to save his son, Han Solo confronted Kylo on Starkiller Base. The encounter was a poignant and heart-wrenching moment, highlighting the depth of Han's love and the complexity of Kylo's internal struggle. Despite Han's pleas, Kylo ultimately succumbed to his dark impulses, killing his father in a bid to sever his ties to the Light Side and fully embrace the Dark Side. This act of patricide was meant to solidify his commitment to Snoke and the Dark Side, but instead, it deepened his internal conflict and guilt, showing that the remnants of Ben Solo were still alive within him.

Despite his actions, the seeds of redemption were sown through his ongoing connection with his family. Leia's unwavering love and final act of reaching out to her son through the Force during The Rise of Skywalker played a crucial role in breaking through Kylo's defences. Her sacrifice, combined with a vision of his father, catalyzed a profound transformation within him. In this moment of clarity, Ben Solo renounced his Kylo Ren persona and sought to make amends for his past transgressions.

The role of Kylo Ren's family in his descent into darkness and eventual redemption is a testament to the enduring power of familial bonds and love. The legacy of Han Solo and Leia Organa, while initially a source of immense pressure and conflict, ultimately became the foundation for Ben Solo's return to the Light. Their love and sacrifices underscored the theme that no one is beyond redemption and that even the deepest wounds can be healed through understanding and compassion.

Supreme Leader Snoke played a crucial role in the transformation of Ben Solo into Kylo Ren by expertly manipulating his emotions and fears. Snoke's cunning exploitation of Ben's vulnerabilities distorted his perception of power and control, leading him to believe that the Dark Side offered the freedom and strength he sought. This manipulation is encapsulated in the symbolic creation of Kylo Ren's iconic cross-guard lightsaber. The unconventional design, with its unstable, crackling blade, mirrored the tumultuous inner conflict within Kylo Ren himself. It served as both a weapon and a physical representation of the war raging inside him, a war between his inherent goodness and the dark impulses nurtured by Snoke.

Kylo Ren's allegiance to the First Order was a direct manifestation of his desire to break free from the perceived constraints of his lineage. Born into the shadow of two legendary figures, Han Solo and Leia Organa, Ben Solo struggled with the immense expectations placed upon him. Recognizing this internal struggle, Snoke promised Kylo a new path—one where he could forge his own identity, unbound by the legacies of his parents and grandfather, Anakin Skywalker. The allure of the Dark Side and the power it promised seemed to offer the autonomy and respect he craved.
Despite his apparent loyalty to Snoke and the First Order, Kylo Ren began to see the cracks in Snoke's facade. As he grew in power and confidence, Kylo's perception of Snoke shifted from that of a mentor to an oppressor. The pivotal moment came during The Last Jedi when Rey was brought before Snoke. In this intense confrontation, Snoke's arrogance and cruelty were laid bare. Snoke's treatment of Rey and his utter dismissal of Kylo's potential for redemption illuminated the manipulative nature of his control.

A complex mix of motivations drove Kylo's decision to kill Snoke. On one hand, it was an act of rebellion against the figure who had dominated and manipulated him for so long. On the other, it was a strategic move to seize power and establish himself as the true leader of the First Order. The scene is a masterful depiction of Kylo's internal conflict: while he kills Snoke to liberate himself from external control, it does not signify an immediate return to the Light Side.

Serena

New Medium Article: If You Liked Fourth Wing, You Should Read the Aurelian Cycle

Happy Friday everyone! I just wanted to let you know that I posted a new article on my Medium page. It's the perfect article for you if you are looking for something to fill the Fourth Wing void. It's If You Liked Fourth Wing, You Should Read the Aurelian Cycle. Link to the full article is down below, as well as a sneak peek.

Link: https://alysonserenastone.medium.com/...

Sneak Peek:
Unless you have lived under a rock, then you are probably aware of Fourth Wing and Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros. These two books have taken the book world by storm. For a while, Fourth Wing was sold out at most booksellers. While neither book is perfect, they have become a series that has brought the book world together through love or hate. Books that generate strong positive or negative reactions often contribute to lively discussions among readers. It seems like this series has become a focal point for many readers, creating a sense of anticipation for the next instalment.

Fourth Wing is a mix of Divergent by Veronica Roth and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins but with dragons. I have also seen it compared to A Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings. I'm afraid I must disagree with the two latter comparisons. While all are fantasy, they are vastly different. Violet has spent her whole life training to join the scribes. Her mother has other plans. Violet, with the expectation of her father, comes from a family of dragon riders and her mother will not accept anything less from her youngest daughter. The thing is though she has no training whatsoever to survive the riders. Not everyone survives until graduation; not everyone bonds with a dragon. Also, Violet’s home country had to put down a rebellion and now all those children have been forced to join the military. Violet’s mother was one of the leaders and Violet has found herself placed in the wing of the rebellion’s leader's son. She has a target on her back and everyone is trying to kill her. Dain, her childhood, best friend wants to get her out of the riders and back to the scribes. However, Violet feels the need to prove herself. The longer she is with the riders, the more she finds a sense of belonging. She finds herself being attached to Xaden Riorson, who is the son of the leader of the rebellion. She is supposed to stay away from him; everyone has told her so. Yet, she cannot get away from him. Sparks start to fly as she finds that things may not be as she has been taught.

I loved Violet. Yes, she is a younger typical ting girl who finds herself with the odds stacked against her. No one has any faith in her and, as a result, she must go. While her character is not anything new, I found myself drawn to her. She is smart, a book lover, and a scholar. She finds herself doing the very opposite of what she has been trained to do. She must work hard and deal with so much doubt that people are putting into her head. Rather than giving up, she uses her strengths to rise through the ranks. She puts that scholarship to work and it allows her to climb. She makes the mistake of catching Xaden’s attention, who just happens to be the one whose father started the rebellion and more than likely wants to kill her. Xaden’s father also killed Violet’s older brother and Violet’s mother had Xaden’s family put to death. Xaden’s hatred is justified. She does everything she can to stay away from him.

Xaden’s hatred of Violet is somewhat justified, just like her hatred of him. Both of their families have caused the other so much pain and suffering. Xaden is Violet’s wing leader and is a difficult character to get to know. He has walls up and keeps most people at a distance. The only ones he lets get close to are the children of the other rebels, which makes him dangerous. He is not the hero. Everyone has warned Violet to stay away from him because if anyone wants to kill her it’s him. Yet, he does have layers. Remember what I said about the wall? Well, there is more to it. What he does and the way he acts is to keep those he cares about safe.

Have a great day!
Serena